Ford to sell F-150 Lightning in EV-loving Norway

Electric Fords are headed to Norway.

Ford Motor Co. last week said it would begin exporting its F-150 Lightning pickup to Norway, which it called "the world's most advanced electric vehicle market."

Ford said the plan was spurred by voracious consumer demand in Norway, where EVs accounted for 80 percent of new-vehicle sales last year.

Norway, which aims to have only zero-emission vehicles on sale by 2025, will be the first country outside North America to get the Lightning.

Deliveries will begin next year, Ford said.

"I've had customers literally banging on my door and pleading for us to bring the electric pickup to Norway," Per Gunnar Berg, the managing director of Ford Norway, said in a statement. "F-150 Lightning is the perfect match for many customers in Norway — uniquely capable of quenching our thirst for adventure while embracing our passion for protecting the environment."

Ford's embrace of Norway's love for EVs — its Lightning announcement began with the phrase "Yes, Norway!" — was seemingly designed to contrast with General Motors' tongue-in-cheek portrayal of Norway as an enemy in a 2021 Super Bowl commercial. The ad, called "No Way, Norway," featured actor Will Ferrell declaring his hatred for the country because EVs are more popular there than in the U.S.